Seabourn Spirit Security Officers to meet the Queen on Wednesday

[wakeme2008]

OK I love cruising on Seabourn :)

from http://www.number-10.gov.uk/output/Page10765.asp

This is an extract -

Civilian Gallantry List
16 January 2007
The Queen has been graciously pleased to approve, for publication in The London Gazette, the names shown below as having received an expression of Commendation for Bravery.

Queens Gallantry Medal

Michael GROVES. Security and Safety Officer, Seabourn Cruise Lines.

Queens Commendation for Bravery

Som Bahadur GURUNG. Gurka Master-at-Arms, Seabourn Cruise Lines.

For their actions repelling pirates who attacked a cruise ship off the coast of Somalia.

In November 2005 Michael Groves was woken, shortly before 0600 hours, and called to the deck to investigate two boats which were approaching the ship. He was unarmed. He saw that one boat carried six to seven males armed with rifles and a rocket launcher. He was immediately fired upon but he quickly unwound a high-pressure hose and stood in full view of the attackers, aimed the jet at them and they withdrew. In the short respite that followed Mr Groves started to make ready the Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD). As he pulled off its cover he came under fire from the second boat. A rocket was fired at Mr Groves, knocking him to the deck and causing injuries to his ears. In spite of this he radioed for assistance to his team of Master-at-Arms. Som Bahadur Gurung, and a colleague, arrived on the deck. Automatic rifle fire continued and a second rocket was launched at the ship. Mr Groves asked for a volunteer to operate one of the two pieces of equipment available to counter the attack. Mr Gurung volunteered to operate the LRAD, whilst Mr Groves returned to the hose. Both were fully exposed to fire from both boats. Mr Gurung ran across the exposed area of deck and reached the LRAD. The rail was of waist height, and the LRAD was mounted on it with no surrounding cover. Mr Gurung then stood to his full height to activate and direct the device to its target. He managed to insert the key in the LRAD, but before he could activate it a bullet hit him and shrapnel struck his upper body. He was knocked unconscious. Mr Groves dragged him to safety, returned to the LRAD and directed it towards the boats. The pirates tried to board the ship but Mr Groves continued to operate the LRAD. After about 30 minutes the attack stopped and the boats turned away.